Helping your child thrive with ‘Desirable Difficulties’

One of the trickiest things for parents to judge is whether their child is being challenged enough when studying at home. If the work is too easy, they can drift through it without really thinking. If it is too difficult, frustration can quickly take over and motivation starts to disappear. The sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle - where the work feels challenging enough to require effort, but not so difficult that it becomes overwhelming.

Building resilience and growth mindset

Working at a desirably difficult level develops resilience and a growth mindset in children. When they encounter challenges, they are more likely to develop problem solving skills and a can-do attitude. Embracing challenging tasks as opportunities for growth will lead to increased self confidence and the ability to tackle complex problems in the future.

Preventing boredom and complacency

Repetitive and too easy tasks can lead to boredom and complacency, causing children to lose interest in their studies. By providing appropriately challenging materials, you can keep their minds engaged and maintain their enthusiasm for learning. The excitement of overcoming difficulties can be a powerful motivator, driving them to explore new subjects and expand their knowledge.

Enhancing cognitive abilities

When children work at a desirably difficult level, their brains are stimulated to make new neural connections, improving their cognitive abilities. The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt and grow and tackling challenging tasks accelerates this process. As a result, their ability to think critically, solve problems, and retain information will improve significantly.

Finding the right level of challenge

Research suggests that children learn best when they are working on tasks that are just beyond what they can currently do independently, but still achievable with some support. This balance helps them make progress without becoming overwhelmed. By matching the level of challenge to your child's current understanding, you can help keep them motivated while encouraging continuous improvement.

Developing time management skills

Introducing time limits during study sessions can also contribute to their growth. It encourages children to manage their time efficiently, teaching them the importance of prioritisation and focus. As they become more proficient in completing tasks within specific time frames, they'll develop essential time management skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional lives.

Developing independent learning

Working at a desirably difficult level encourages children to take initiative and engage in self directed learning. When they encounter challenges, they may seek out additional resources or ask for help, nurturing their ability to learn independently. This sense of autonomy and curiosity is invaluable in shaping lifelong learners.

Encouraging a healthy perspective on failure

A desirably difficult level also means that children might face occasional setbacks or encounter tasks they cannot immediately master. It's crucial to use these moments as learning opportunities rather than sources of frustration. Encourage your child to view failure as a stepping stone to success and to persevere in the face of challenges.

Learning is often at its most powerful when children have to think hard, wrestle with ideas and work through moments of uncertainty. While it can be tempting to make studying feel easier, real progress often comes from tasks that stretch understanding and require effort. By helping your child find that balance between challenge and support, you can encourage the habits, confidence and resilience that underpin successful learning.